After 38 Years as a Funeral Director, I'm Telling Families What My Industry Won't Say Out Loud

After 38 years as a funeral director in a small Ohio town, I’m sharing the questions and protections I believe every family deserves before making funeral arrangements. The first step is simple: ask for the price list—and understand that you have more choices than many people are told. I explain how to request prices by phone, recognize the influence of casket displays, understand when embalming may not be required, question extra charges on cash advances, find out who owns the funeral home, read the itemized statement, and prepare before a loss happens. With the median funeral with viewing and burial costing around $8,300 in 2023—before cemetery fees—knowing what to ask can make a meaningful difference. 0:00 Get the price list first 1:03 Demand prices by phone 2:32 How casket displays influence you 5:01 Embalming usually isn't required 6:40 Cash advances may cost extra 7:41 Find out who owns it 9:39 Read the itemized statement 10:20 Prepare before you need one #FuneralPlanning #FuneralCosts #ConsumerAdvice #EndOfLifePlanning #FuneralDirector